In Lieu Of A Tail

39. Apparently Berkians Have A Death Wish

AN: Da-da-da-daa~ it's only like a week latee~

After the removal of Mildew from the proceedings, there was a short period of time where the Berkian delegation stared intently at anything other than the Riders. This definitely had nothing at all to do with the positively scathing glares that were pointed their way. Thankfully, Alvin came to the rescue.

"Shall we continue our discussion, preferably without further disruption of foolish and downright offensive comments?" Alvin suggested.

The Berkian Chief nodded his assent, clearing his throat so his people noticed the motion.

"As we have said," Hiccup picked up, after calming himself down significantly, "We have reason to believe these Hunters are only a part of a greater plot."

"What gave you this idea?" Stoick questioned carefully, "Why do you think it's a plot?"

"We have intercepted messages which suggest there is a chain of command, and that the higher-ups expect a certain amount of dragons to be delivered – live – every month. Alone, this is horrifying, but combined with the surge rise in numbers of Hunters in the area, and general chatter about attacks we have overheard in markets, this is a threat." Mala supplied, eyes turning harsh on the last word.

"Chief," Astrid asked, "Permission to speak?"

"Granted, Lass." Stoick responded, gesturing to the Riders.

"You said they were 'under the thumb of a larger threat', it sounded like you know who they are, so who are they?" Astrid questioned.

Hiccup turned towards Aurora. Focusing on his sister, his eyes shed the guise of indifference, displaying his brotherly concern and care for her. No Berkians caught it, but the other Riders did, and that was what mattered, they took the lead on the explanation.

"They are led by a monster." Heather stated quietly, face almost impassive, save the furrow of her brows.

"A monster?" Astrid repeated, eyes narrowing, "What do you mean?"

"We mean," Dagur began, "That their leader is a twisted creature who can hardly be called a man, he is a psychopath."

Mala nodded gravely in confirmation, "And a bastard." She added, rage colouring her words.

"He is a warlord, who enslaves dragons," Camicazi continued, sending a questioning glance at Aurora, who nodded, clenching her hand tighter around her brother's, "And people."

"What is his name?" Stoick asked.

"His name is Drago Bludvist." Alvin revealed.

Stoick sputtered, "Drago Bludvist?!"

"Yes," Hiccup replied, turning his attention to the Chief of Berk and narrowing his eyes in focus and slight suspicion, "Have you heard of him?"

Stoick confirmed that, yes, he had heard of Drago, and divulged that they had, in fact, met. It was many years ago, at a meeting of Chieftains to discuss what they could do about the dragon problems they were having. Drago entered and suggested a solution, if they would all bow to him as their leader, he would solve all their problems. He had claimed to be able to control the dragons, and when the Chieftains laughed at his absurd suggestion, he became angry. He told them to see how well they did without him and, as he left, the roof caved in and two armoured dragons attacked.

"I was the only one to make it out alive." Stoick finished.

A harsh grating sound shrieked from a chair as it was forced away from the table. Aurora stood, pressing her fists into the rough surface of the table and staring at splinters, before her head jolted up. Her vision was foggy, unfocused, but she could see enough to turn around and leave the hall. She absently registered Misty having crawled onto her shoulders, and Astra following, building up speed enough to walk beside her.